The Conservatives today launched a Barack Obama-style internet campaign to reach out to millions of voters.

As David Cameron delivered his manifesto address, personalised emails from the Tory leader dropped into half a million inboxes inviting people to 'join the Government of Britain'.

Based on President Obama's hugely successfully internet campaign - credited with winning him the White House - the emails contain a short YouTube video clip featuring Mr Cameron and several first-time Tory voters.

Join us: David and Samantha Cameron at today's manifesto launch

Addressing voters by their first name, the Tory leader urges them to pass on his invitation to 'just three friends, workmate or family members'.

The email was sent to people who have requested to receive more information about the Tories.

But Tory sources say the viral nature of email means it could hit millions of in-boxes within days.

Share this article

Share

Mr Cameron says: 'If we win this election, we're going to give you more control over your life, more power to make a difference to your neighbourhood, more opportunities to change our country for the better.

'The more people join, the stronger the force for change will be. I want millions to be inspired and mobilised to play their part - and that movement starts here. So please, spread the word.'

Inspiration: Both Labour and the Tories are trying to adopt the same campaigning tactics as Barack Obama

The internet is playing an unprecedented role in the current General Election campaign with all parties attempting to reach out to all important undecided voters.

The Conservatives have already raised over £250,000 on the internet since the beginning of last month by asking people to make small donations - averaging around £50.

The Tories have also launched a Facebook campaign through the party's 20,000 'fans' and have released a set of 'retro' 1950s-style flyers which will be plastered over Britain's telephone boxes.

In the last American presidential election, voters were bombarded with emails from the Obama camp on a daily basis and his campaign is estimated to have raised 90 per cent of its donations through the internet.

Labour has also stepped up its internet campaign.

At the party's manifesto launch, Labour activist Ellie Gellard - a prolific internet blogger - introduced a series of animated manifesto films which have been posted on YouTube and social networking sites.